Key Difference: Do you know what is 2D and 3D? If you don’t, then we will tell you what are they and what is the difference between them. Generally, 2D is a two-dimensional shape of an object that looks like a flat surface. Whereas 3D is a three-dimensional shape of an object that looks solid with some length, breadth, and depth. Usually, dimensions indicate all sides of an object, and we can measure them. Let’s see the difference between 2D and 3D.
2D Objects: rectangle, square, circle, and triangle.
3D Objects: cuboid, cube, sphere, cone, prism, cylinder, and pyramid.
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2D:
Two-dimensional objects
As we already said, 2D stands for two-dimensional. In our world, everything comes under shapes. Each and every object around us has its unique shape. 2D objects are specified only by two dimensions, such as length and breadth. When an object or any shape lies on a flat surface, we call it as a 2D object. We can draw a 2D shape using the X and Y-axis. Some 2D objects are rectangles, squares, circles, and triangles.
The image you have currently seeing on the left side is a two-dimensional image because this picture lies on a flat surface. From this picture, we can only measure the length and height. Generally, all the edges are clearly visible in this kind of 2D picture. It is really simple to create two-dimensional images.
To be more precise, let’s see the mathematical explanation of 2D. The two-dimensional figure is plotted on two axes. They are X and Y. Here X represents the length of the object, whereas Y represents the breadth of the object.
Advantages of 2D:
- Two-dimensional animations are easy to update.
- It is cost-effective.
- 2D is highly adaptable to web and print materials.
- The flat images can be produced quickly.
3D:
Three-dimensional objects
3D refers to three-dimensional objects. The things that we see in our reality are three-dimensional. The 3D object has three dimensions, such as length, breadth, and depth. We can draw them using three axes: X, Y, and Z. Let’s see the mathematical definition of 3D so that we can understand it more clearly. 3D indicates three aspects, which are plotted on the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis.
You can see an image on the left side. It is a 3D picture because it looks real. Many people use 3D objects in various technologies like photography, animation, and computer graphics. Nowadays, 3D movies are so popular and people are interested to watch them. Because it looks like a real-life when compared to the 2D objects.
In general, 3D shapes are used to see the architectural view of an object. These objects are really more complex in the drawing. The real-life examples of 3D shapes are books, buildings, balls, bridges, etc.
Advantages of 3D:
- 3D objects are eye-catching.
- It requires more skills to develop a 3D object.
- Create dynamic objects and characters for movies.
- It offers the interactive feature.
Compare: 2D Vs 3D
This table will show you the contradiction between 2D and 3D.
| 2D | 3D | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | It has two dimensions. They are length and breadth. | It has three dimensions. They are length, breadth, and height. |
| Mathematical Definition | X and Y axes are enough to create 2D objects. | X, y, and Z axes are needed to create 3D objects. |
| View | Gives a simple view of an object | Gives an architectural view of an object. |
| Detailing | Draw details easily. | It is difficult to draw details in 3D objects. |
| Construction | Simple to create a 2D shape. | It is complex to create a 3D object. |
| Edges | Edges are visible. | Edges are hidden. |
| Examples | Circle, Square, Rectangle, hexagon, triangle, or any shapes drawn on a flat surface. | Cylinder, Prism, tube, Cuboid, or any object that has 3 dimensions. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Wikipedia (2D, 3D), Scholarpedia (2D, 3D), Encyclopedia (2D, 3D)
Reference: Wikipedia.org[1], Scholarpedia.org[2], Encyclopedia.com[3]